YOU'VE GOT QUESTIONS
Q: Why do you do church so different?
A: Why don't you do church so different?! Just kidding. Anyway, God didn't give us one "right" way to "do" church. Some ways have become ingrained over the years, but that doesn't make them right; just traditions that have worked for some people. Absolutely nothing is wrong with traditional churches. Everyone needs to feel comfortable in the place they worship, as well as places that will give them a strong foundation in faith. It's a sad reality, but the current generation has completely abandoned the traditional church and what it is trying to do. As we look at this, we have to figure out how to communicate those same truths so they speak to us in a language we understand. That's our goal.
Q: Why did we start a new church in a community that already has so many?
A: That's for God to answer. He called us to it. Seriously does Claremore really need another church? No. But..... we felt like it needed a different kind of church that would be more community focused, as well as creating environments for the unchurched to feel more comfortable. The fact of the matter is less than 18% of our community goes anywhere to church on any given Sunday. That simply drives us to be something different.
Q: What denomination are you?
A: We're non-denominational. Sorry if you're all into denominations, but we're not into them. However, we are accountable and affiliated with the Assemblies of God, but less than 2% of our church comes from that background. Our leadership team consists of Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, and those that didn't even go to church before The Well.
Q: Is this place a cult? What's with the name?
A: Nah, not so much. Sorry if you're all into cults, but we're not one. Cults tell you what to believe, take away your freedom, and forbid you to leave. At The Well, you're welcome no matter what you believe, we want you to experience freedom, and you're free to leave whenever you want. We did have someone early on ask if we were a bar. We do serve drinks but just happens to be a glass of living water. Sorry that was a little cheesy but true.
Q: I don't believe in God, am I still welcome?
A: Yup. But we do hope you're open to exploring, and to the idea that maybe there is a God and maybe He's worth knowing.
Q: You say you're a church for people who don't like church. But I'm a Christian from another church.... Can I come to The Well?
A: Sure, but just don't come thinking we're the perfect church.
Q: In an attempt to be funny and relevant in your gatherings and series you do at The Well, do you ever water-down the Bible?
A: Nope, God and His Word (the Bible) is what we strive to live by. It's just that so many people in our generation can't seem to understand the Bible (since all they know is the King James version they took from a hotel. Admit it. You know you took one.) We never ignore truth because we want people to like us, but we will package truth within the language of popular culture. That's why we use videos, songs that connect to our series, and any other creative means to allow the message to speak to the hearts of this generation. If the truth be told, most of our messages are rather tough to swallow as we attempt to live out the Bible in its entirety.
Q: A lot of the time I come you talk about "Groups". What's the big deal with these things anyway? What's so important about them?
A: We talk about groups all the time because we believe that's where your life is going to change the most. That's where you are going to grow. When you can get together regularly with the same group of people where you are known, loved, celebrated, and served, that's when you are really experiencing church the way God intended it. You will miss out on a connection with others if you choose to skip out on this big part of what The Well is all about.
Q: The gathering on Sunday seems to be focused on the basics of Christianity. How will I get fed spiritually and continue to grow?
A: It's true, the Sunday morning gathering tends to be geared toward people who are checking out Christianity or who are just taking first steps towards getting to know about Jesus. There isn't a truck load of worship music, and we try not to use any religious jargon that might be hard to understand to someone who is checking this whole thing out. That doesn't mean that mature Christ-followers aren't going to be stretched during The Well gatherings. We deal with hard-hitting issues that we all face and see what the Bible has to say about those issues. We all grow together on Sunday mornings, but the gathering is just more accessible to people who aren't used to being in church. Between serving at The Well as you build community and your weekly group, you're going to get fed. We just want to encourage you to develop spiritual disciplines that will cause you to be self-feeders.
Q: What's your dress code?
A: Just wear clothes
Q: What about my kids?
A: What about them? Oh, like is there anything for them at The Well? Absolutely. In fact, kids are the most important people that arrive on a given Sunday. Your kids will learn and grow in a safe and fun environment.
Q: Who funds this church?
A: Ordinary everyday people like you and me who believe so much in what God will do here that they want to help make it happen. We have supporters from outside our church family, but mainly consists of faithful givers inside The Well.
Have more questions? You can ask us anything by clicking here to send us an email.